International arrivals in 1950 rolled in at 25 million. In 2016, that number was toppling over 1.2 billion. The travel and tourism industry has boomed with the advent of technology, transportation, a sweeping trend of wanderlust and an undeniable impact on the global economy.

Travel and tourism account for 1 in 10 jobs on the planet, making the industry one of the major drivers of global economic growth, and placing every move it makes toward growth, expansion, change and sustainability under the careful scrutiny.

For the first time since 2011, the demand for hotels in South America outpaced the supply of hotels in the area in summer 2017. But in 2018, occupancy rates slightly declined. What caused occupancy in Central and South America to rise so quickly? And what changed in summer 2018, exposing the first signs of growth coming to a pause?

While much of world bakes beneath the summer sun, ski season is a’buzz in our neighboring hemisphere. Active enthusiasts from all over the world are currently flocking to the Andes for that sky-high fresh air, a break from the summer sizzle and perfectly powdered, untouched lines down the Andes Mountains’ many faces.

As you plot your ski vacation or daydream about escaping the heat, soak up these 9 interesting facts about the Andes Mountains.

The Beagle Channel is one of the three passages that ships can take to cross the waters between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The Beagle Channel is both a historic sight and an oasis of unparalleled natural beauty in the world.